As President John Dramani Mahama crosses the 100-day milestone in his return to power, Ghana stands at a crossroads. Experts suggest the coming months may determine whether this second term becomes a legacy-defining presidency or a cautionary tale of a second chance squandered.
Mahama’s administration has been marked by bold policy reversals, symbolic reforms, and rhetoric-heavy anti-corruption campaigns—moves that have generated a mix of hope and scepticism among a public hungry for genuine change but wary of political déjà vu.
“The first few weeks of the new administration have been marked by a number of notable departures from the recent past,” says Bright Simons, Vice President of policy think tank IMANI Africa. “In a democracy, one cannot neglect the perception that the government cares about the sentiments of the citizens.”
Tax Reversals and Fiscal Recalibration
One of Mahama’s most talked-about reforms has been the abolition of several unpopular taxes, including the e-levy, emission tax, and betting tax. These moves have won public approval but raised questions about their long-term sustainability.
To offset potential losses, the administration introduced the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod)—a bold initiative aimed at formalising gold trade and boosting reserves through resource governance.
“It’s a big and sustainable long-term move,” says Dr. Theo Acheampong, a UK-based political risk analyst. “With global gold prices high and smart budgeting, fiscal slippage can be avoided.”
However, Simons cautions against the structure of GoldBod, warning that its overlapping mandates could create confusion and reduce efficiency.
Corruption Fight: Rhetoric vs Results
Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) task force has made headlines with raids on former officials and investigations into alleged financial misdeeds. But critics argue these efforts have so far lacked substance.
“No single person has been charged… so the question is, why?” asks Joshua Zaato, a political science lecturer at the University of Ghana. “We’ve never seen any government lose so much of their goodwill in their first three months under this Fourth Republic.”
Still, others believe the administration is laying important groundwork.
“Mahama is taking a more aggressive and high-profile approach than during his previous tenure,” says Jervin Naidoo of Oxford Economics Africa. “But success depends on consistency and impartiality.”
Security Challenges Persist
While Mahama has reshuffled national security leadership, chronic instability in Bawku remains a thorn in his side. Victor Doke of the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre urged a specialised strategy for the area, highlighting arms proliferation and regional insurgency spillovers.
Mahama’s appointment of Larry Gbevlo-Lartey as Sahel Special Envoy signals intent, but the lack of a public roadmap or visible progress has raised eyebrows.
“Any threats from our neighbours must be handled diplomatically, not like the past government did,” Doke notes.
Public Sentiment: Hope Tempered by Realism
Mahama’s government has fulfilled seven out of 26 campaign pledges for the first 120 days, including a leaner cabinet, reopened probes into past violence, and early steps towards a 24-hour economy.
“The pace and tone of governance has been confident and largely well-received,” says Naidoo. “There’s a clear push for transparency.”
But analysts warn that early goodwill could evaporate if cost-of-living pressures, judicial independence concerns, and galamsey (illegal mining) issues are not addressed with urgency.
“People are hopeful, but patience can wear thin,” Naidoo concludes.
The Road Ahead
Mahama’s second act holds immense potential—but also immense risk. If he can convert early symbolism into structural change, his administration may redefine Ghana’s democratic legacy. If not, Mahama 2.0 could become yet another chapter in the country’s long struggle with unmet expectations.
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